Polytechnics question scope of reform

The Government has moved too far and too fast with polytechnic sector reforms, some polytechnic council members say.

Those contacted yesterday said they were disappointed the Government had ignored suggested amendments to the Education (Polytechnics) Amendment Bill and had pushed ahead with sweeping changes.

The Bill, which was proposed in August, passed into law yesterday, 64 votes to 56.

It slashes council membership to eight and gives the Crown more power to order the merger of polytechnics and seize con-trol of those institutions performing poorly or experiencing financial difficulties.

The changes will take effect from May 1 next year.

Otago's two polytechnics will lose 12 members - Otago Polytechnic seven and the Balclutha-based Telford Rural Polytechnic five.

Under the new structure, four of the councillors will be ministerial appointees and there will be no guaranteed representation for groups such as Maori, students, staff, chief executives and industry.

Telford council chairman David Yardley said the Bill heralded the start of a new era.

" The Government is moving to having greater control and influence.

"They are saying 'We're the funder and we should have more say'.

"But we are concerned that might mean councils lose their community voice."

Council members had struggled with the rationale behind the changes and their hurried implementation, he said.

"I am not sure if the system was that broken," Mr Yardley said.

Otago Polytechnic Students Association acting president Meegan Cloughley, who sits on the Otago Polytechnic council, said her reaction to the Bill being passed was "unprintable".

Students were the main stakeholders in polytechnic education and deserved a place at the council table.

But having only four positions available would mean students, staff, Maori and others would be competing among themselves for available seats, she said.

The Maori Party withdrew its support for the Bill after the Government refused to guarantee Maori representation.

Rebecca Parata, who, along with Nicola Taylor, represents the four Otago Maori runanga on the Otago Polytechnic council, said the changes were "a backward step for Maori".

"I'm very disappointed, particularly given the high number of Maori students at polytechnics."

The Crown had an obligation under the Treaty of Waitangi to ensure Maori representation, she said.